Looking towards the main Tararua range from about 950m, above Cow Creek - not particularly encouraging for a solo winter venture on to the tops

The Waingawa River, 500m, before Cow Creek Hut

Arriving at Cow Creek Hut (490m)

The first tributary stream (800m) on the trail between Cow Creek Hut and Arete Folks Hut. I turned around soon after this due to being alone in clagged in conditions, plus there was quite a lot of storm damage blocking parts of the route - not much point pushing on to the tops with no visibility in slippery, wet, winter conditions. More unfinished business

Goblin forest at about 1,000m on the ridge between Cow Creek and Blue Range Hut. Turning around meant I had time on hand to just enjoy what I could see

Goblin forest at about 1,000m on the ridge between Cow Creek and Blue Range Hut

Moss draped forest

Goblin forest at about 1,000m on the ridge between Cow Creek and Blue Range Hut

Looking towards the main Tararua range from about 950m, above Cow Creek. This brief clearing had me momentarily doubting my decision to turn around, but the clearings were fleeting

Blue Range Hut (900m)

Some Wairarapa Tramping Club humour, entry to Blue Range Hut (900m)

The picnic spot, looking north, beside Blue Range Hut (900m)

The picnic spot beside Blue Range Hut (900m). Only an hour or so from the carpark - nearly time for a chardy ...